Can Diamond Rings Get Wet?

You glance down at your hand as water splashes from the sink. Or maybe you’re caught in the rain, your diamond ring catching the light with every movement. A very common question quickly follows:

Can diamond rings get wet?

The short answer is yes—diamond rings can get wet.

The more important answer is how often, under what conditions, and what really happens over time.

At White Diamonds, your personal jeweler in Ogden, Utah, we believe knowing how to care for your jewelry empowers you to enjoy it confidently—every day, not just on special occasions.

Let’s walk through what water means for your diamond ring, when it’s safe, and when it’s best to take it off.

Can Diamond Rings Get Wet? The Simple Answer

Yes, diamonds themselves are incredibly durable and water will not damage a diamond.

Diamonds rank 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making them the hardest natural substance on Earth. Water alone will not scratch, cloud, or weaken a diamond.

However—and this is where nuance matters—your ring is more than just a diamond.

It includes:

• A metal setting (gold, platinum, white gold, etc.)

• Prongs or bezels holding the stone in place

• Possible side stones or intricate details

Water affects the setting and structure far more than the diamond itself.

What Happens When a Diamond Ring Gets Wet?

Water exposure isn’t usually an immediate problem. Instead, issues develop gradually, especially with repeated exposure.

Water Can:

• Loosen prongs over time

• Trap residue under the diamond

• Dull sparkle by leaving mineral deposits

• Weaken metal when combined with chemicals or heat

When It’s Generally Safe for Your Diamond Ring to Get Wet

Your diamond ring can safely get wet during:

• Washing your hands with plain water

• Brief exposure to rain

• Gentle rinsing during proper cleaning

If water contact is short and followed by drying, there’s usually no issue.

When You Should Remove Your Diamond Ring

Water becomes a problem when combined with time, chemicals, or pressure.

Remove your ring before:

• Showering or bathing

• Swimming (pools, oceans, hot tubs)

• Doing dishes with soap or detergent

• Cleaning with household chemicals

• Using hand sanitizer repeatedly

Chlorine, saltwater, and cleaning agents can:

• Erode metal alloys

• Weaken prongs

• Dull diamonds over time

Can You Shower With a Diamond Ring On?

Technically, yes—but it’s not recommended.

Hot water, soap, and steam:

• Leave film under the diamond

• Increase the risk of prong wear

• Make rings slippery (easy to lose)

At White Diamonds, we always advise removing your ring before showering—not because it will instantly break, but because long-term care matters.

Does Water Affect Different Ring Metals Differently?

Yes. The metal matters just as much as the diamond.

Diamond Ring Metals & Water Exposure

How to Safely Clean a Diamond Ring at Home

Water can actually help—when used correctly.

Safe Cleaning Method:

• Use warm (not hot) water

• Add a drop of mild dish soap

• Gently brush with a soft toothbrush

• Rinse briefly

• Dry completely with a soft cloth

Never use:

• Bleach or chlorine

• Abrasive cleaners

• Ultrasonic cleaners without professional guidance

Customer Q&A

Question: “Why does my diamond look dull after washing my hands?”

Answer: Soap residue often builds up under the stone. A gentle cleaning usually restores sparkle instantly.

How Often Should Your Ring Be Checked?

Even if your diamond ring looks perfect, prongs can loosen invisibly.

We recommend:

• A professional inspection every 6 months

• More often if you wear your ring daily

• Immediate checks after heavy water or chemical exposure

At White Diamonds, we offer inspections and cleanings because your peace of mind matters.

Why This Matters More Than You Think

Imagine your ring years from now—still sparkling, still secure, still part of your story.

Caring for your ring isn’t about restriction. It’s about preserving the moments it represents.

Why White Diamonds Is Your Trusted Partner

At White Diamonds, we’re known as a personal jeweler—not just a place to buy jewelry, but a place to care for it.

We specialize in:

• Natural and lab-grown diamonds

• Engagement rings and wedding bands

• Custom jewelry design

• Repairs, inspections, and cleanings

Before you buy anywhere else, check White Diamonds.

Visit Us

1638 N Washington Blvd, Ste 202 North

Ogden, UT 84414

Call: 801-782-3531

Email: sales@whitediamondsutah.com